In the India of 1942, two rapes take place simultaneously - that of an English girl in Mayapore, and that of India by the British. In each, physical violence, racial animosity, the coercion of the weak by the strong all play their part, but playing a part too are love, affection, loyalty, and recognition that the last division of all to be overcome is the colour of the skin. The whole spectrum of Anglo-Indian relations is vividly evoked in a brilliant assessment of emotions, personal clashes and historical reasons that eventually prised India - the jewel in the Imperial Crown - from its setting.

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Listener Opinions

by N. Lafave | 4/7/2013

" Among my favorties "

by Laura Achhireddy | 1/12/2012

" I loved all the books of the Raj Quartet! I came to them after watching the BBC mini-series of the same name, and it was so fascinating, I just had to read the books. Within the first paragraph is one of the most memorable lines I've encountered in prose. Look for it. "

by Catherine Woodman | 4/21/2011

" This is an impossibly long book about India during the time of colonial rule, that once I was through the four books I was so sorry to see end :-( "

" rough ride. i was interested, and i hung in there, but i won't be moving on to book 2
"

Catherine | 1/4/2011

" Wonderful characters, compelling story, lots to think about--but I thought the writing was dense and difficult--a bit of a slog.
"

Arieltsmith | 1/3/2011

" Set in the twilight of the British Raj during WWII, this book tells of the rape of an English woman in the town of Mayapore from seven perspectives. The book is beautifully, lyrically written and each section is equally engaging as the others. Highly recommended.
"

Alex | 10/5/2010

" Loved it. Tells of two tragic events toward the end of the British occupation of India, from the viewpoints of many individuals.
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